Local news
Raynes Park TWG - July 2018
RAYNES PARK TOWNSWOMEN’S (AFTERNOON) GUILD
Making women’s lives better since 1929
85TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Broken down delivery trucks and heroines!
On Thursday, 28th June 2018 Raynes Park Branch of the Townswomen’s Guild celebrated its 85th birthday party. This makes our branch one of the oldest groups (someone said the 3rd oldest) in being today. However, our party was characterised by what could have been a disaster and a series of rescuing heroines. In short, the food ordered from a reputable supplier did not arrive and was not available for collection until well after the Mayor and other guests had been welcomed and seated.
The first heroine was Mary of our long-suffering catering help team who made three trips (in hope) to collect the food, two abortive and one where it was finally suggested she should help herself to what was ordered, or similar, from the shelves in the store!
The second was Penny Ryan, deputising for the National TWG Chairman – in fact the National Treasurer and our national trustee representing southern England on the national council. After we had welcomed the lady Mayor of Merton who spoke for a few minutes to congratulate us on this birthday, Penny took to the floor to cover quite a long wait with an off-the-cuff, comprehensive, talk on the formation and history of the Townswomen’s Guild.
We had booked a group from the Nonsuch Handbell Ringers to entertain us after the meal but in the event, they hastily set up their equipment to play to us while we collected and ate our food, which was displayed speedily by John and Mary. They played a very enjoyable selection of tunes in a variety of styles, all with a surprisingly mellow sound. Later they invited members to come to examine the bells. At least one member had a go! The ladies of the handbbell ringers, too, deserve special thanks!
Our monthly lunch outing took us to The Haywain in Epsom for another very pleasant meal. We were surprised when another group of ladies arrived a little later, some of whom we recognised. This was a party from the Morden Park (eve) TWG! Obviously The Haywain is a general favourite for TWG ladies!
Worthing Trip – Thursday, 16th August - £15
There are still seats available. Please telephone 8395 4989 if you are interested in joining us.
I am in discussion with our coach company who wish to wait until road works scheduled to cause one-way traffic south along Grand Drive start towards the end of July to see how the traffic flow in the area ‘beds down’ before confirming pick-up points and times. Please make sure I have your telephone number or contact address so that I can keep everyone informed in August.
Next Meeting
In September 2018 the monthly meeting will be on Thursday, 20th at 1.30 for 1.45 at St Saviour’s Church Hall. A speaker – Miss A Hoyland – will give us a talk entitled
‘Never judge a book by its cover’. Do join us.
Dorothy Raymond, Tel: 020 8395 9489
